Policies

Development the key for Young Roar

Brisbane Roar Foxtel National Youth League Head Coach James Robinson believes his side are ready for what is expected to be a frantic but thoroughly entertaining 2017/18 campaign.

With several games in a short time frame, Robinson believes the processes that he and his coaching staff have implemented over the seven-week pre-season period will benefit the players.

“We want to build on last year and continue to solidify the foundations made from last season’s campaign. The only way to do that is play and win competitive matches,” he said.

In his second campaign as Head Coach of the Roar's Youth outfit, Robinson believes a number of new recruits will only heighten competition for places and ultimately player performance, with the team's mentality also being a key focus.

"We’ve got a lot of fresh faces that have come in, a lot of young boys with plenty of opportunities ahead of them at the beginning of the youth league season," he said.

"The mentality is to replicate the achievements that we’ve seen over the past five years from the first team."

With a number of former Youth players getting their chances in the first-team in 2017, the goal for the Young Roar this campaign is simple.

"The goal is get the boys playing at their full potential, ready for when the opportunity arises in the first team so they are able to put their best foot forward," Robinson said.

The Young Roar have been pitted in Conference A alongside Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory, Adelaide United and Perth Glory, giving the younger players the opportunity to develop a rivalrly which they can hopefully continue in the Hyundai A-League in years to come.

The Young Roar face a challenging opening fixture away against defending champions Melbourne City on Saturday, 18 November.

Robinson says his side will take the same mentality into the clash as every Brisbane Roar side does - play to win.

"Three points are on the line and that is what we have to play for in the end," he said.

“It’s going to be a good challenge, but it’s a challenge that we’re all very excited about.”